A look inside Maryland's iconic Mormon temple

👋🏾 Hi, Paige here.

If you've driven the northern end of the Beltway even just once, you've probably wondered what it's like inside the soaring, golden-spired Mormon temple. After years of wondering, I finally got to step inside, and soon you can too.

Why it matters: For the first time in almost half a century, people outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are allowed to enter the sacred space.

• Even Maryland Governor Larry Hogan wanted a look inside. He joined other guests and church leaders for a media tour on Monday. 

Zoom out: When any temple is renovated, it's opened to the public for tours before being re-dedicated. The temple, located in Kensington, Maryland, spent the past four years getting a makeover and is the church's third-largest and the tallest in the world.

My thought bubble: I was surprised that the temple didn't center around one large meeting area like other houses of worship. Instead, it has many rooms that are used for different ceremonies such as marriage and baptism. 

• The stained glass (each individual piece was taken out and cleaned during the renovation) is dark at the bottom of the building and gradually gets lighter the higher you go, to represent the process of learning, growing, and becoming more like Christ. 

How to see it: Tours are open from April 28 through June 11, except Sundays. 

• The tours are free, but you must reserve parking or shuttle tickets (also free) ahead of time. 

A concert will be held on June 11 and 12 to celebrate the re-dedication. Non-church members are invited to attend these events as well (ticket info coming soon). 

Check out more interior temple pics: